Timbers Acquire Striker Adi

Portland looks to shore up a struggling front line by acquiring Nigerian striker Fanendo Adi on short term loan, with option to purchase. As per league policy the exact terms of the deal will not be released. Adi comes over from Danish first-division side FC Copenhagen.

The 6'4” striker should boost an anemic Timbers attack that has only scored 13 goals in 10 games. Adi will be holding an international roster spot for the duration of his loan. The spot was made after 35-year-old Frederic Piquionne was waived. Timbers brass showed excitement about the arrival of their newest addition.

“Fanendo is a young and ambitious player with UEFA Champions League experience and we feel that his acquisition on short-term loan, with the option to purchase, provides a great opportunity for both the player and our club,” Timbers general manager Gavin Wilkinson said in a statement. “This loan allows us to add a quality player into the mix as we are always looking to develop our roster now and in the future.”

The Nigerian striker has experience playing in Slovakia and Ukraine before joining FC Copenhagen. This pick up adds life to a desperate Portland attack that is in need of assistance. Gaston Fernandez and Maximiliano Urruti can only carry so much weight by themselves. Adi opens up a dynamic air game as well as additional help on set pieces. Timbers head coach Caleb Porter reinforced my thoughts.

“Adi gives us another striker piece to further strengthen our roster,” Porter said in a statement. “His air play and ability to hold the ball as more of a target option will complement the qualities of our other players while providing a different dimension to our attack.”

The real question will be whether or not Portland picks up the purchase option at the end of the loan. The evaluation will begin from match one, which I think will likely be next week. If everything works out there is a good chance we could see a Portland resurgence late this season.